*Tywin's POV*
The feast began just as the Sun began to set. As all royal dinners, first sons were required to walk in with first daughters and so on and so forth. Tywin found himself standing next to Arya. She was clearly uncomfortable in her dress and was constantly fidgeting with it. Sansa was standing next to Joffrey, a large smile plastered on her lovely face. If she only knew how cruel he was, Tywin thought she would most probably run away from him.
Robb formed the third row in the procession. He held a blushing Princess Myrcella's hand. She clearly had a crush on the eldest Stark boy. Behind Robb were Bran, Tommen and Rickon, forming a rather odd procession. Ahead of the children stood Queen Cersei with her hand in Lord Stark's and Lady Catelyn's hand being held by his father.
The large oak doors opened and the procession was lead out by two members of the Kingsguard. Tywin tugged Arya along muttering word of encouragement to the squirming girl. He sympathized with Lord Stark on the pains he would have in trying to get in younger daughter married. Sansa would not prove the slightest of difficulties. She was what many would term as the proper maiden. She most probably would be married off to Joffrey on his sixteenth name day.
All the nobles of the North stood up to greet the party as they walked in. Tywin saw Jon seated a few seats away from the seats meant for the Stark's and the royal family. Theon sat next to him. He already had some serving wench on his lap, most probably stroking his manhood.
Tywin took his seat next to Robb and the feast began. The ladies sat separately from the men and Lady Catelyn placed herself next to his mother.
Robb and Tywin began having a discussion as Robb buried in him questions regarding King's Landing. Tywin admitted to Robb that he preferred the coldness of Winterfell to the warmth of King's Landing.
There was a sudden bustle in the room. Tywin looked up from his plate to see that Arya had thrown a bunch of peas on her older sister. The whole room was filled with wild laughter regarding the incident. Lady Sansa had turned red and looked at her father to punish her foolish younger sister. Lord Stark ordered Robb to carry off Arya to an early bed. Robb, laughing stood up, and pulled his sister by her arm up to her room.
Tywin saw Jon talking heatedly with his uncle Benjen Stark, a ranger of the Night's Watch. Tywin remembered Jon's aspirations to become First Ranger. Jon might be leaving for the Wall once all this revelry is over, Tywin thought. Tywin felt a pang in his chest out of the thought of losing one of his closest friends to the Wall.
Blood, he thought, could determine half a man's life. A pure born was given everything including lands and pretty maidens. Bastards were usually made into hedge knights or packed off to the Wall. Tywin was grateful for his status. He knew his father had several unacknowledged bastards. The only acknowledged one was Edric Storm, a boy of twelve. Uncle Renly had suggested that the boy should squire for Tywin once he becomes a knight. Tywin was excited by the prospect as none of his other siblings had the same thrill for battle he had. Maybe Edric would be different. He would also make sure that Edric was given a nice residence and plentiful lands so he could have a happy life.
Tywin was drinking the finest wine the North could offer. The North was not particularly famous for their winemaking as their climate was not suitable for the making of wine. It tasted like water mixed with a milder wine. Surely it would take six barrels of this to get his father, properly drunk. Thinking of his father, Tywin glanced at him. He had some wench on his lap and was ferociously kissing her. He looked at his mother to see her reaction. His mother's glare at his father could have killed someone in Tywin's opinion.
"Enjoying the feast?"
Tywin turned around to see his sworn shield, Keith standing behind him. Keith was the sixth son of some cadet branch of House Lannister. Keith was a member of House Lannister of Lannisport. He had the Lannister looks. At sixteen, he already looked like Uncle Jaime. He had flowing blonde hair that he kept tied and was well built for his age. In Tywin's opinion, he was one of the best swordsmen he had ever seen. He had a younger sister, Rosamund who was one of Myrcella's playmates.
"Its fine I suppose." Tywin answered.
"My lordship seems disappointed by the Northen wine." Keith joked.
"It's not the wine. Its nostalgia. This is my home Keith. I don't belong in King's Landing. Winterfell is my true home. I was never meant for the heat of the South. Most of the Stark siblings are like my true siblings and Lord and Lady Stark are the best parents anyone can ask for." Tywin answered.
"Take my advice Lord and stop mulling about the North. King's Landing is your permanent resident now." Keith sharply replied.
Tywin nodded at looked down at his plate. Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Tywin's nuncle, Lancel. Lancel had inherited the Lannister looks and looked like a poorer version of his nuncle Jaime.
"The Queen wishes your presence." Lancel said. Lancel was clearly intimidated and envious of Keith. Keith being the same age as Lancel and from a cadet branch had achieved knighthood before Lancel. Keith gave him a sly look. Tywin knew of the strained relationship between the two but he pretended not to realize.
Lancel began leading Tywin to his mother's chambers. It seemed as though she had retired early. Clearly she had been embarrassed by his father display in front of the Northern lords.
Tywin knocked on the chambers' doors before entering. Cersei was seated on her bed. She had changed into her bed clothes and her hair had been freed from her braid. Her blonde hair fell down in ringlets. Tywin had to admit his mother was one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen in his entire life.
"Tywin, join your dear mother for a cup of wine, would you?" Cersei asked.
"As you wish, dear mother." Tywin replied. The tone between Tywin and his mother was always formal due to her obvious appreciation of Joffrey over his other siblings.
Cersei poured him a cup of Dornish wine. She had clearly bought Dornish wine with her as she knew the poor quality of Northern wine.
Tywin took his glass and stood awkwardly in a corner of the room. He looked into the wine glass and saw his reflection. He had become slightly tanned due to the warmer climate in King's Landing.
"Have you heard of Ser Arthur Dayne?" Cersei asked him breaking the awkward silence.
"The Morning Star? Yes mother, who hasn't?" Tywin answered. Why was his mother mentioning a dead member of the Kingsguard to him?
"If you have heard of him, then you have clearly heard of his great sword, Dawn? Well after the rebellion, Lord Stark returned the sword to Starfall, the seat of House Dayne. After that there has been no word of the sword. Neither the current Lord of Dayne nor his son wields the famous sword."
"Dawn in only given to the greatest swordsmen of House Dayne."
"Well isn't it tragic that a great sword should rust in waiting for its new owner?"
"Mother where are you going? To you intend to steal Dawn?"
"Precisely."
Tywin's mouth formed an O in shock. Stealing a Valyrian sword would amount to treason.
"When the party departs from Winterfell, you are to make your way to Starfall. There you will earn Lord Dayne's trust and make him award you Dawn. If this does not succeed, you shall steal the sword." Cersei said.
"Does father know of this plan?" Tywin asked skeptically.
"Robert has no clue of what is going on in the realm. But the small council agrees that a swordsman as great as you deserves something as magnificent as Dawn."
"I am still learning. I have not been knighted as of yet. I fthere is anyone in this realm who should wield Dawn, it is Ser Barristan."
"The Lord Commander will do well without Dawn. But I want my son, a soon to be member of the Kingsguard, well-armed. "
"I shall do the mission on two conditions. One, Lord Dayne will present me with the sword and I will not steal it from under his nose. Two, if in time, House Dayne produces a man worthy of yielding Dawn, I shall pass the sword to this man. " Tywin said with an iron look on his face.
"Fine." Cersei answered after contemplating for a long time.
Tywin was feeling terrible. He knew how precious Valyrian blades were considered in Houses. House Dayne would not comply easily, he already was fully aware of the fact. This was going to be a tough nut to crack. On one hand, he did not want to snatch away the honor of a family. But on the other hand, he wanted to earn the respect of his Lady mother. Maybe she would start realizing that he existed if he succeeded.
*A Few Hours Later*
*Keith's POV*
Keith looked at the Queen under him moaning his name. She was the most vivacious woman he had ever seen. Long ringlets of blonde hair framed her face. Her breasts were shaped like apples. Her eyes were green flecked with gold. Her cunt was covered with golden hair. She was panting hard under him.
After they were done making love, Cersei asked him to pass her the moon tea. Cersei propped herself up on the pillows on the bed. Keith looked at her glowing from the aftermath of their activity.
"Keith I need you to keep a watch on Tywin." Cersei purred at him.
"Anything for you my Queen." Keith answered, his eyes filled with lust.
"Not just keep an eye. Make sure he stays at Starfall. I have a fear that Lord Stark will be very similar to Lord Arryn in terms of snooping. If he discovers our secret that makes Tywin the heir to the Iron Throne and I cannot have that. Not while Joffrey is alive. I will not have Robert's creation on that throne. Plus Tywin does have some trust in Lord Stark and might prefer the wolf to the lion. I have to avoid this. I will send you a message once this whole issue is over. Till then it is your duty to keep him them. Don't be afraid to use force. Just don't kill him." Cersei said.
"Yes, your Grace." Keith said before bending to give Cersei's cunt a lick.
Cersei gently pulled him up with his hair. "None of this now. Come back successful from your little quest and you shall reap the rewards." Cersei said. She gave his manhood a light squeeze before pulling on her robe again.
*The Next Day*
*Robb's POV*
Margaery was to arrive today. His future wife. Robb had to admit he was nervous. But she would be arriving before nightfall and there was a sparring competition before that.
The Starks and their household stood at one corner. On the other side stood the Baratheons led by Tywin. Joffrey sat in a corner with his sworn sword, The Hound.
Robb was disappointed that the crown prince would not be sparring with them. He also felt bad that Jon was not being allowed to spar with him. Jon had told him that only royal blood could spill royal blood. Jon was the best swordsman, Robb had ever had seen. Robb symbolized strength and his half-brother speed.
Currently a match was being held between Bran and Tommen. It was a rather amusing sight as both the boys struggled to fight in their make shift armors. They hit each other with their wooden swords and eventually Bran managed to topple the plump Tommen.
Both boys clearly had taken a liking for each other as Bran helped a fallen Tommen up. They both flushed from their exercise proceeded to shake hands. Now was time for the real spar. Robb took the wooden sword from Ser Rodrick's hand and faced Tywin. This was going to be a tough fight as both boys had learnt sword fighting under Ser Rodrick but Robb admitted Tywin might be at a greater advantage as he had a year of training with the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard under his belt.
Robb was the first to strike. Tywin easily dodged his blow and aimed at Robb's knee. Robb felt the wooden sword hit his knee but he stood his ground. Tywin sent the next blow at his chest but Robb blocked it with his sword. Robb was stronger than Tywin and managed to push Tywin's sword away. Tywin then suddenly and before Robb could react hit him on his knee. Robb felt his already injured knee give away and he fell down.
Around them the Stark and Baratheon men clapped thunderously. This had been a close fight. Robb was helped up by Tywin.
"Good fighting there brother." Robb said pressing Tywin into a crushing hug.
"I would love to fight against you the day you wield Ice." Tywin replied with a smile plastered on his face. But Robb knew the look in his eyes. He was clearly disturbed by something. Robb did not want to press it on him; therefore he did not ask him the cause of his disturbed look.
"You both fought like a bunch of green lads there." Joffrey rudely commented. He was supported by a few nervous laughs from the Lannister men.
Robb felt his face burning. The Crown Prince had not agreed to fight with them and then he rudely scorns them. Robb raised his wooden sword to strike the foolish boy but was stopped by Tywin placing his hand on his shoulder.
"There is no point in fighting with a lion with no teeth or with a stag with no antlers." Tywin whispered in his ear.
The remark brought a smile on his face. Joffrey had seen his sudden change in moon though and shouted, "What are you both talking about? Hounds go and teach those insolent boys a lesson. They should learn how to speak with their future King."
The Hound ignored his master's order but gave them a warning glare.
"Joff, you call yourself the future King but you do not have the guts to face us in a spar. You cry at the slightest injury and go running to Mother whenever anything terrible happens. When mother dies and you become King and some lordling angers you, who will you go running to?" Tywin replied.
The comment led to laughter in the courtyard and Robb found himself joining in the laughter. Joffrey turned red with rage and stormed off. Robb heard him muttering, "Wait till mother hears of this Tywin. You will not be laughing then."
The sparring competition was interrupted by the arrival of Lady Catelyn. Robb knew that this meant. That Lady Margaery would be here in a few moments and it was time he got ready. He excused himself from the event. Tywin joined him and they walked up to Robb's chamber. Today he would have to look his finest.
A Tyrell and Stark bond was the rarest thing in this realm, in Robb's opinion. But Margaery's father was rather keen on acquainting himself with the North. His parents had been more than pleased of the thought of their son marrying a Tyrell girl. Robb had heard many rumors about Margaery. She was apparently very beautiful and had a wit as sharp as a sword. She also loved horse riding and hawking.
Lord Tyrell had persuaded the Starks to ward his daughter until Robb's sixteenth name day. Margaery was to learn the ways of Northernmen. She would also have to adopt the Old Gods. But that was not a necessary requirement and his mother still followed the seven.
Robb and Tywin entered his bedchamber. His clothes had been laid down for him. It consisted of a cloak with the Stark sigil on it lined with the softest fur. This was the cloak his father had cloaked his mother with during their wedding ceremony. Robb felt a rush of duty in his. His parents trusted him with something that symbolized their marriage. He decided to make conversation with Tywin as he fastened on the cloak.
"Why is Joff such a turn off?" Robb asked.
"My mother has pampered him and gives him whatever he wants. He was never trained in sword by anyone and thus is overall weak in battle His body is weak and he frequently falls ill. Mother did not even allow him to ride out with the royal party. It's such a shame that Sansa is betrothed to him." Tywin said with a look of hatred in his eyes.
"You like Sansa don't you?" Robb said teasingly.
"She is fair to look at."
"You have always had a soft side for her. Ever since you came to Winterfell."
"Well I have heard that Margaery Tyrell has one of the sharpest wits in the Seven Kingdoms. I hope she does not outwit her dull husband."
Robb proceeded to lightly slap his friend on his shoulder. He missed Tywin. Jon and Theon were there yet Robb had a brother like love for Tywin. A one that could rival the friendship of Tywin's father and his own father.
A knock on the door interrupted their fun.
"The Lady Margaery has arrived."
*Margaery's POV*
Margaery was covered in bundles of furs. She has never experienced cold as cruel as the North. She wondered whether the hawks she had brought from the Reach would be able to withstand the cold. She suddenly regretted bringing them here. Her brother, Loras was in a similar condition. He was feeling so cold that his teeth were chattering. Loras would depart with the royal party back to King's Landing, while she should remain here alone in the cold and unforgiving North.
Lord and Lady Stark had come outside to greet her party. Lady Catelyn was as lovely as the stories said she was. Her long auburn hair did not have a single grey and she had piercing blue eyes. Lord Stark was a serious looking man, the type that did not smile frequently. He had black hair and grey eyes characteristic to Starks. She wondered who the eldest Stark child took more after. Margaery jumped off her horse and bowed down in respect to the Lord and his Lady. Her whole party followed her lead including her brother, Loras.
"Lord and Lady Stark, what a pleasure to finally acquaint myself with you." Margaery said politely.
"Your feelings are returned Margaery." Lord Stark, a small smile appearing on his face.
"It will be good to have a Southern girl among us. You will give me generous company." Lady Stark said.
Lord and Lady Stark mounted their horses and began heading back for Winterfell. Margaery and her party followed suite. She would meet her betrothed inside. She had butterflies in her stomach. Her grandmother had left a bad impression of men in her head. She often described Margaery's grandfather and father as stupid and aloof men. She only had exceptions for Willas, Margaery's oldest brother. She thought Loras to be an empty fool seeking unnecessary glory.
Once they entered the gates of Winterfell, she saw the Stark family assembled with a few member of the royal family. Margaery was helped down from her horse by a handsome man with flowing auburn hair. He had the Tully looks.
"Lady Margaery, it gives me great pleasure to introduce you to my son, Robb Stark, heir to Winterfell." Lord Stark announced.
Margaery had to admit he was pretty good looking but she would have to get to know him before she made a proper judgment about him.
The Stark family consisted of five pure born children with four of them favoring their mother in looks and Lord Stark's natural son, Jon Snow who favored his father more.
The royal family seemed incomplete. Yes, the King and Queen were missing. The Crown Prince, Joffrey was also missing. The King's younger children, Tywin, Myrcella and Tommen had come to greet her. If her father was in her place, he most probably would throw a tantrum over the King and Queen's absence but Margaery pretended not to notice.
She said her courtesies to everyone present in the courtyard. Margaery looked around at the gloomy castle that was supposed to be her home for the rest of her life. She had already started missing Highgarden.
As you can see there is already a major plot twist. Yes, Margaery is betrothed to Robb. I intend for them to be regular POV characters along with Tywin. Maybe Robb won't die in this fanfic. Anything could happen. But I am trying to stick to G.R.R.M. principle of being as realistic or should I say gory as possible. I did not want to follow the canon story as then Tywin would be stranded in the middle. In most true Baratheons story, the true Baratheon realizes that he is the true heir and runs to Stannis. This one is going to be a unique true Baratheon story.